Methods to control the droop when powering dual mode processors and associated circuits

ABSTRACT

A DC/DC converter  100  has a DAC  40  that receives a code associated with desired processor operating voltage and sets the reference voltage on its output  41 . The reference voltage (V DAC ) is boosted by the buffer amplifier  42  to center the droop along the median load. A sensed current signal I CS    22  is proportional to the load current I o    24  and can be either inductor current, or switch current, or diode (or synchronous switch) current. In all cases it is scaled down by the factor of gain G c . A droop control feedback circuit includes an error amplifier  50 . It has two inputs. In one embodiment the gain of the converter is by a signal inversely proportional to the processor clock frequency F CPU max  and transformed to the current I DROOP    32  that creates the voltage drop across the resistor R 1 . The other input is coupled to the buffer amplifier output. As a result, the output voltage of the converter  50  is inversely proportionally to the load current and is invariant to the processor clock frequency changes associated with the processor mode switchover. Other embodiments modify the gain of the error amplifier, or offset the gain and hold the amount of droop constant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 60/192,383 filed Mar. 27, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Use of Dual Mode Processors and Droop inMobile Computer Applications

[0002] Modern notebook computers employ advanced processors with highclock rates that place higher demand on the battery life and imposehigher thermal stresses on to the circuit components. To enable systemswith higher performance without compromising battery life, dual modeprocessors were introduced. These processors operate on higher clockrates and higher voltage when the notebook is powered from the walladapter (so-called “performance mode”). When battery power is used, theoperating voltage and the clock frequency are simultaneously scaled downto reduce the consumed power without greatly compromising the computingperformance. This is so-called “battery-optimized mode”. Inbattery-optimized mode consumed power is about 40% less than duringperformance mode with almost equal contribution from the frequency andthe voltage scaling.

[0003] Power dissipated by a processor is proportional to the clockfrequency and to the applied voltage squared.

P _(CPU) =K×F _(CPU) ×V ² _(CPU)  (1)

[0004] Considering that the processor power is a product of theoperation voltage and the current P_(CPU)=V_(CPU)×I_(CPU), the processorcurrent is proportional to the processor operating frequency and thevoltage applied.

I _(CPU) =K×F _(CPU) ×V _(CPU)  (2)

[0005] Many computer power management systems deliberately “droop” theCPU voltage to control impedance of the DC/DC converters and to reducethe number of the capacitors required to handle the processor supplycurrent transients. The output voltage of the converter with a droop isinversely proportional to the load current. Reduced power is a keybenefit of using the DC/DC converter with a droop to power the processorin the notebooks or other mobile applications with power and thermalconstrains. Because the processor power is proportional to the supplyvoltage squared, even small reductions in the output voltage within thetolerance window translate into measurable reductions in the powerdissipated. The additional power reduction may be about 10% and resultsin extra battery life.

Known Method of Droop Implementation

[0006] The FIG. 1 illustrates one known method of implementing droop inthe DC/DC converter. The converter 10 includes a DC source VIN that isselectively coupled to a power switch 14. The switch 14 may include oneor more power devices in the form of a bridge. The output current I_(O)is connected (???) to the load RL via an inductor 24 and a capacitor 26.The output current is sensed as current I_(CS) and is connected (???) toa current gain circuit 30. The output of the current gain circuit is thecurrent I_(DROOP). It is coupled to a node 36 at one input of erroramplifier 50. Also connected to the node 36 is resistor R1 and the RCfeedback circuit of C_(COMP) and R_(COMP). The other input to the erroramplifier is provided by the digital to analog converter (DAC) 40 andbuffer amplifier 42. They set the reference voltage for the erroramplifier 50. The output of the error amplifier is connected to oneinput of a comparator 60. Its other input receives a ramp signal. Theoutput of the comparator is connected to a latch 18 that is controlledby a clock signal CLK. The output of the latch 18 controls the operationof the power switch 14 to the turn the DC power on and off.

[0007] The sensed current signal I_(CS) is proportional to the loadcurrent I_(o), I_(CS) can be either inductor current, or switch current,or diode (or synchronous switch) current. It is scaled down andtransformed into the current I_(DROOP) that creates a feedback signal asthe voltage drop across the resistor R1. At the input of thevoltage-loop error amplifier I_(DROOP) is summed with the voltagefeedback signal. As a result, the output voltage of the converter 10 islowered proportionally to the sum of the droop and load currents. Inother words, by changing the fed back voltage from the load voltage tothe load voltage less the desired droop, the output of the erroramplifier and the power supply is adjusted to provide the desired droop.

[0008] The output voltage of the loaded converter varies in accordancewith the following equation.

V _(CPU)(I)=V _(CPU)(0)−V_(DROOP)(I),  (3)

[0009] Where:

[0010] V_(CPU)(0)=V_(DAC)×(1+Δ/2)—is the output voltage with no load.This voltage is usually somewhat higher the nominal voltage commanded bythe DAC reference. Normally, the droop is centered to the half-loadcurrent. It means that at half-load current the output voltage is equalto the voltage commanded by the DAC. Δ—is the desired droop value givenas a fraction of the V_(DAC).

[0011] V_(DROOP)(I)=R1×G_(C)×I_(CPU)—is the droop in the output voltagedue to load current—proportional voltage-drop across the resistor R1.The above droop circuit and other droop circuits are shown and describedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/591,971 filed Sep. 1, 1999,assigned to the owner of this invention and incorporated herein byreference.

Problems With Conventional Droop Implementation

[0012] When the dual mode processors are used, it is desired to have anadequate droop (equal fractions of the commanded output voltage) in bothmodes of operation. The known droop method does not provide relativelyequal droop for the different operation modes because the gain in thecurrent feedback loop is constant. Indeed, constant gain is afundamental characteristic of conventional negative feedback circuitdesigns.

[0013] Using (2) and (3), the equation for the converter 10 outputvoltage can be obtained in the following form, which shows that theconverter output voltage is not only inversely proportional to the loadcurrent but is also inversely proportional to the processor clockfrequency F_(CPU max). $\begin{matrix}{{{V_{CPU}(I)} = {{V_{DAC}\left( {1 + \frac{\Delta}{2}} \right)} - {{R1} \times G_{C} \times K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max} \times K_{f} \times V_{CPU}}}}{{V_{CPU}(I)} = \frac{V_{DAC} \times \left( {1 + \frac{\Delta}{2}} \right)}{1 + {{R1} \times G_{C} \times K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max} \times K_{f}}}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

[0014] Where:

[0015] F_(CPU max)×K_(ƒ) represents variable processor performance,which varies due to modulating multiplier K_(ƒ)=0 . . . 1 . Thismultiplier simulates the factor how the processor is engaged by thesoftware. When K_(f)=0, the processor idles and its current is close tozero. When K_(f)=1, the performance and the load current have theirmaximum values. This model is involved for illustrative purposes only toevaluate the considered solutions and does not cover all the aspects ofthe processor operation.

[0016] The value of the gain constant G_(C) for circuit 30 of converter10 can be found as: $\begin{matrix}{G_{C} = {\frac{2 \times \Delta}{\left( {2 - \Delta} \right) \times {R1} \times K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max}}.}} & (5)\end{matrix}$

[0017] The droop is usually tuned to handle the worst case transientthat is associated with the performance mode where the processor currentis high. When the processor is switched to operate in the battery mode,the operating frequency and voltage are scaled down. In this case, theprocessor current is significantly lower, the droop is much smaller andits benefits deteriorated. If gain was tuned to create the optimal droopfor the battery-optimized mode, the droop becomes excessive in theperformance mode.

[0018] The following examples illustrate this asymmetrical feature ofdroop versus processor mode. For example, a known dual mode processorhas the following power parameters at high performance mode: V1=1.6V,Imax=10.2A, F=600MHz, where V is the processor voltage, Imax—is themaximum processor current, F—is the clock frequency. In the battery modethese parameters are V2=1.35V, Imax 6.8 A, F=500MHz. The currentfeedback gain is set to achieve 5% droop. In the first case, the droopis tuned to the performance mode. In the second case, the droop is tunedto be optimal in the battery-optimized mode. In both cases the processorconstant is equal to 10.5nF.

[0019] The results in Table 1 show that it is impossible to tune thedroop in the known converter to be satisfactory for both operationmodes. For example, when droop is tuned for the performance mode, only84% of the desired droop range is used in the battery-optimized mode.

[0020]FIG. 2 graphically illustrates how the converter voltage dependson the load current in different modes of operation. The K_(f) factorhelps to do that using the same scale. It can be easily seen that in theperformance mode (VCPU1) the droop is perfectly centered and its valuecomplies with the design goal. The ±Δ% is ±2.5. Inversely, in thebattery optimized mode (VCPU2) the output voltage reaches the nominalvalue at about 60% of the load and the droop range is not completelyused. This can lead to the situation when the converter output voltageviolates the load transient specifications at fast load change. TABLE 1V(o), V(Imax) Vnom, +Δ, −Δ, V V V mV mV Droop Performance 1.640 1.56 1.6+40 −40 Tuned to Mode Perf. Battery 1.384 1.327 1.35 +34 −23 Mode ModeTuned to Performance 1.640 1.545 1.6 +40 −55 Battery Mode Mode Battery1.384 1.316 1.35 +34 −34 Mode

[0021] To provide an equal droop the converter output characteristicshould have either a) different slope; e.g. current gain at differentF_(CPU max) to provide relatively equal droop in the performance and thebattery optimized modes, or b) a different offset voltage applied to theerror amplifier reference input depending on F_(CPU max), or c) a fixeddroop regardless of operating conditions, or d) a combination of suchfeatures to provide for symmetrical droop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The invention solves the problem of deteriorating or asymmetricaldroop by adjusting the droop in accordance with the operating mode ofthe processor. In its broader aspects, the invention provides a novelmethod and apparatus for adjusting droop to match and compensate forchanges in operating modes.

[0023] The method of the invention is used in an electronic systemhaving a DC/DC converter that operates in one of at least two modes ofoperation for supplying power to a processor in the electronic system.Each mode of operation includes a nominal operating voltage, operatingfrequency and operating current. The steps of the method includecomparing an output DC voltage to a reference DC signal that representsthe desired DC output voltage, generating a pulse-width-modulatedcontrol signal, by comparing the error signal with a ramp signal, or byother means known in the art of DC/DC converters. The pulse widthmodulated signal is converted into the desired DC output voltage byusual circuit components, such as an inductor and a capacitor. The DCoutput voltage is applied to the load. The method uses one of severalknown circuits for generating droop voltage.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the voltage droop is adjusted with afeedback loop. In the feedback loop the method sums one signal dependentupon the output DC voltage with a first signal dependent upon the loadcurrent and a second signal dependent upon the operating mode. Inresponse to a change in operating mode the feedback loop adjusts thevoltage droop signal to be substantially symmetrical.

[0025] In one embodiment the invention alters the slope of the load lineto adjust the voltage droop to provide relatively equal droop providedin each mode of operation. In a second embodiment the invention altersthe slope of the load line to adjust the droop to provide a droop thatis centered and has a constant absolute value in any of selectedoperating modes. In a third embodiment the invention offsets thereference of the feedback amplifier to adjust the droop to provide arelatively equal droop in each mode of operation without altering theslope of the load line.

[0026] The method of the invention is implemented in several novelembodiments. Each embodiment has customary elements including a powerswitch that includes a MOSFET bridge, a comparator and a latch. Thecomparator has one input supplied with a conventional ramp function. Theother input is supplied by the variable gain feedback loop. That loopincludes an error amplifier having first and second inputs and generatesan output error signal for controlling droop of the output voltage ofthe converter. The first input is a summing input that is electricallyconnected to the output voltage and the output current of said DC/DCconverter. The summing input is configured for adding together signalsthat depend upon the output voltage and the output current. The secondinput of the error amplifier receives a reference signal that dependsupon the desired operating voltage of the processor. The error amplifiergenerates an output error signal and adjusts its error signal dependingat least in part upon the output voltage and the output current. A meansfor adjusting the power supply droop about the median of the operatingvoltage of the processor is coupled to one of the input of the erroramplifier and depend upon the mode of operation of the processorincluding the operating voltage, operating current or operatingfrequency. The comparator receives the error signal and the ramp signaland has its output connected through a latch to control the powerswitch/bridge. The power switch has an on condition and an offcondition. The converter is configured for supplying dc current to theload when in said on condition. The power switch has a control inputelectrically connected to said comparator output signal. The powerswitch responds to the output signal of the comparator to change betweenits on and off conditions.

[0027] In one embodiment the adjusting means coupled to the input of theerror amplifier is a circuit that receives (a) a signal inverselyproportional to the operating frequency of the processor and (b) theoutput current signal. The adjusting means generates the first inputsignal to the error amplifier so that its first input signal dependsupon the product of the (a) signal inversely proportional to theoperating frequency of the processor and (b) the output current signal.This changes the slope of the load line of the converter upon theprocessor's operating mode.

[0028] In another embodiment when reduction in the processor consumptionin battery-optimized mode is anticipated to be achieved by approximatelyequal contributions of voltage and frequency scaling, the adjustingmeans is a multiplier circuit that includes a matrix current decoder. Itincludes a plurality of current sources of different currents. A firstinput corresponding to the output current is connected to all thecurrent sources, a second input corresponding to the operating voltageof the processor selects a current source inversely proportional to theoperating voltage and generates the first input to the error amplifier.That input changes the slope of the load line of the converter upon theprocessor's operating mode.

[0029] In another embodiment when a constant processor operating modeindependent droop is desired and reduction in the processor consumptionin battery-optimized mode is anticipated to be achieved by approximatelyequal contributions of voltage and frequency scaling, the adjustingmeans coupled to the input of the error amplifier is a circuit thatreceives a (a) signal inversely proportional to the operating frequencyof the processor, (b) a signal inversely proportional to the processorset voltage and (c) the output current signal. The adjusting meansgenerates a first input signal to the error amplifier so that its firstinput signal depends upon the product of the (a) signal inverselyproportional to the operating frequency of the processor, (b) signalinversely proportional to the processor set voltage and (c) the outputcurrent signal. This changes the slope of the load line of the converterupon the processor's operating mode in the way that droop has a constantabsolute value in any mode.

[0030] In another embodiment when a constant processor operating modeindependent droop is desired, the adjusting means is a multipliercircuit that includes a matrix current decoder. It includes a pluralityof current sources of different currents. A first input corresponding tothe output current is connected to all the current sources, a secondinput corresponding to the operating voltage of the processor selects acurrent source inversely proportional to the operating voltage squaredand generates a first input to the error amplifier. That input changesthe slope of the load line of the converter upon the processor'soperating mode in the way that the absolute value of the droop remainsessentially the same despite of changes in processor operating modes.

[0031] The DC/DC converter may alter the feedback loop by providing avoltage source to offset the second (reference) input of the erroramplifier. In that case the DC/DC converter has a buffer amplifier witha variable gain. It receives a gain control signal that depends upon theprocessor operating voltage or upon the operating frequency of theprocessor. The buffer amplifier generates the second (reference) inputto the error amplifier to offset the droop by both the processorfrequency and the processor voltage. This offsets the droop uponprocessor operating mode without changing the slope of the converteroutput characteristic.

[0032] A further embodiment of the invention includes a buffer amplifierwith a gain control signal generator that includes a matrix decodingcircuit. It has a plurality of resistors with its transfer gaininversely proportional to the processor voltage. This offsets the droopupon processor operating mode and in high degree symmetrically positionsit along the half-load current.

DRAWINGS

[0033]FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a prior art DC/DC converter witha droop.

[0034]FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a DC/DC converter with a dualcontrol droop under frequency control.

[0035]FIG. 3 is a graphical comparison of performance and battery modesof operation with and without one embodiment of the invention.

[0036]FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a DC/DC converter with a dualcontrol droop under voltage control.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a practical implementation ofdual control droop under voltage control.

[0038]FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a DC/DC converter with a constantdroop and triple control droop circuit.

[0039]FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a DC/DC converter with a constantdroop and voltage control.

[0040]FIG. 8 is a graphical comparison of the operation of the circuitof FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 with a prior art under performance and batteryoperation.

[0041]FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a DC/DC converter with a dualcontrol droop circuit under frequency set offset.

[0042]FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of a DC/DC converter with a dualcontrol droop circuit and voltage programmed offset.

[0043]FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing of a practical dual control droopcircuit and voltage set offset by matrix decoder.

[0044]FIG. 12 is a graphical comparison of the operation of circuits ofFIG. 9 and FIG. 10 with a prior art under performance and batteryoperation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] One significant attribute of this invention is an adjustabledroop control that is achieved by varying the gain in the currentfeedback loop. The current loop gain is made to be inverselyproportional to the processor maximum operating frequency. Thiseffectively changes the slope of the converter's load line in accordancewith the operating mode of the processor. The sensed current signal,which can be either inductor current, or switch current, or diode (orsynchronous switch) current, is multiplied by the signal inverselyproportional to the processor maximum operating frequency. A resultingcurrent product signal is summed with the voltage feedback signal at theinput of the voltage-loop error amplifier.

[0046]FIG. 2 illustrates one implementation of the new method to providethe droop. The converter 100 has a DAC 40 that receives a codeassociated with desired processor operating voltage and sets thereference voltage on its output 41. The reference voltage (V_(DAC)) isboosted by the buffer amplifier 42 to center the droop along the medianload. The level of the offset is programmed by the gain of the bufferamplifier. A sensed current signal I_(CS) 22 is proportional to the loadcurrent I_(o) 24 and can be either inductor current, or switch current,or diode (or synchronous switch) current. In all cases it is scaled downby the factor of gain G_(c). Additionally, this current is multiplied ina multiplier circuit 72 by the signal inversely proportional to theprocessor clock frequency F_(CPU max) and transformed to the currentI_(DROOP) 32 that creates the voltage drop across the resistor R1. Atone input of the voltage-loop error amplifier 50 this voltage drop issummed with the voltage feedback signal. The other input is coupled tothe buffer amplifier output. As a result, the output voltage of theconverter 100 is inversely proportionally to the load current and isinvariant to the processor clock frequency changes associated with theprocessor mode switchover.

[0047] The output voltage of the loaded converter with a new droopmethod varies in accordance with the following equation $\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{V_{CPU}(I)} = \frac{V_{DAC} \times \left( {1 + \frac{\Delta}{2}} \right)}{1 + {K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max} \times K_{f} \times {R1} \times \frac{G_{C}}{F_{{CPU}\quad \max}}}}} \\{{= \frac{V_{DAC} \times \left( {1 + \frac{\Delta}{2}} \right)}{1 + {K \times K_{f} \times {R1} \times G_{C}}}},}\end{matrix} & (6)\end{matrix}$

[0048] and ideally has V_(DAC) proportional droop, which is measured asa fraction of V_(DAC).

[0049] The value of the gain constant G_(C) can be found as:$\begin{matrix}{G_{C} = {\frac{2 \times \Delta}{\left( {2 - \Delta} \right) \times {R1} \times K}.}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

[0050] Table 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate that the new droop method allowsone skilled in the art to achieve converter output characteristics thatare compensated for both operating voltage and frequency changes. Asshown in FIG. 3, the slope of the load line is different for performanceand battery optimizations. The invention alters the slope of the loadline in accordance with the operating mode of the processor. Without theinvention, the load line has the same slope for battery-optimized andperformance mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 3, with the inventionthe slope of the load line is changed from the uncompensated,traditional slope to a slope that is steeper than the load line for theperformance optimized mode. This assures that the droop is centered tothe median load and the processor power specifications will not beviolated in any operation mode. TABLE 2 V V(o) (Imax) Vnom +Δ −Δ +Δ % −Δ% Droop Perfor- 1.640 1.56 1.6 +40 −40 +2.5 −2.5 Tuned mance to Perf.Mode Mode Battery 1.384 1.316 1.35 +34 −34 +2.5 −2.5 Mode Tuned Perfor-1.640 1.56 1.6 +40 −40 +2.5 −2.5 to mance Battery Mode Mode Battery1.384 1.316 1.35 +34 −34 +2.5 −2.5 Mode

[0051] However, the information about the processor operating frequencyis not always readily available in a form useful to the converter.Therefore, another solution is given in the converter 200 of FIG. 4. Asignal proportional to the processor clock frequency is substituted bythe signal derived from the reference (V_(DAC)) voltage. Because powerreduction is usually done with approximately equal contribution from thevoltage and the frequency scaling, some error is acceptable for thepractical implementations.

[0052] In this embodiment, the gain in the current feedback loop is madeto be inversely proportional to the reference voltage. This isaccomplished in the following way. The sensed current signal Ics isproportional to the load current I_(o). I_(CS) can be either inductorcurrent, or switch current, or diode (or synchronous switch) current. Itis scaled down by the factor of gain G_(c). In multiplier 76 the currentI_(CS) is multiplied by a signal inversely proportional to the commandedprocessor operating voltage (V_(DAC)) and is transformed to the currentI_(DROOP), which creates the voltage drop across the resistor R1. At oneinput of the voltage-loop error amplifier 50 this voltage drop is summedwith the voltage feedback signal. The other input is coupled to areference voltage provided by DAC 40 and buffer amplifier 42. As aresult, the output voltage of the converter is inversely proportionallyto the load current and is in high degree invariant to the processorclock frequency changes associated with the processor mode switchover.

[0053] The output characteristic of the converter, which employs thisembodiment of the invention, is described by the following equation.$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{V_{CPU}(I)} = \frac{V_{DAC} \times \left( {1 + \frac{\Delta}{2}} \right)}{1 + {{R1} \times K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max} \times K_{f} \times \frac{G_{C}}{V_{DAC}}}}} \\{= \frac{V_{DAC}^{2} \times \left( {1 + \frac{\Delta}{2}} \right)}{V_{DAC} + {K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max} \times K_{f} \times {R1} \times G_{C}}}}\end{matrix} & (8)\end{matrix}$

[0054] The value of the gain constant G_(C) can be found as:$\begin{matrix}{G_{C} = {\frac{2 \times \Delta \times V_{DAC}}{\left( {2 - \Delta} \right) \times {R1} \times K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max}}.}} & (9)\end{matrix}$

[0055] The numerical example identical to the one used for the known artis given in the Table. 3.

[0056] These results show that effective droop range is expanded to 99%in the battery-optimized mode compare to 84% for the known art. Also,the droop is centered across the median load and the processor powerspecifications will not be violated in any operation mode. TABLE 3 V +Δ,−Δ, V(o) (Imax) Vnom mV mV +Δ % −Δ % Droop Perfor- 1.640 1.560 1.6 +40−40 +2.5 −2.5 Tuned mance to Perf. Mode Mode Battery 1.384 1.317 1.35+34 −33 +2.5 −2.4 Mode Tuned Perfor- 1.640 1.559 1.6 +40 −41 +2.5 −2.6to mance Battery Mode Mode Battery 1.384 1.318 1.35 +34 −34 +2.5 −2.5Mode

[0057] The circuit 76 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5. The currentsense signal is multiplied by a signal inversely proportional to thecommanded processor operating voltage (V_(DAC)) and transformed it intothe current I_(DROOP), which creates required voltage drop on resistorR1 at the input of the voltage-loop error amplifier. In decoder 76 thecurrent sensed signal I_(CS) is mixed with the current from a row ofcalibrated current sources 720 (1), 720 (2) . . . 720(n). Each currentsource can be activated by the matrix decoder 710, which accepts thesame VID code as the DAC. The value of the current supplied by eachsubsequent in the row current source is proportional to 1/X function.The decoder 310 is programmed in the way that VID code is essentiallychoosing the current source with the current value appropriate toaccomplish the desired 1/V_(DAC) function.

[0058] In some cases it is desired to have a constant droop that isindependent of the operating point. For that case, the gain in thecurrent feedback is made to be inversely proportional to the referencevoltage and to the processor operating frequency. This is accomplishedin the way shown in converter 300 of FIG. 6.

[0059] The DAC 40 receives the code associated with the desiredoperating voltage and sets the reference voltage on its output. Thereference voltage (V_(DAC)) is increased by the fixed value V_(OFFSET)44 to center the droop along the half-load current. The sensed currentsignal Ics, which is proportional to the load current Io and can beeither inductor current, or switch current, or diode (or synchronousswitch) current, is scaled down by the factor of gain G_(c).Additionally, this current is multiplied in multiplier 310 by a signalinversely proportional to the programmed processor operating voltage(V_(DAC)) and a signal inversely proportional to the processor setfrequency and is transformed to the current I_(DROOP), which creates thevoltage drop across the resistor R1. At one input of the voltage-looperror amplifier 50 this voltage drop is summed with the voltage feedbacksignal. The other input is a reference voltage dependent upon V_(DAC)and the offset voltage. As a result, the output voltage of the converteris inversely proportionally to the load current and resembles a droop,which has a constant value in any processor-operating mode.

[0060] The output characteristic of the converter with is described bythe equation $\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{V_{CPU}(I)} = \frac{V_{DAC} + {V_{DROOP}/2}}{1 + \frac{K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max} \times K_{f} \times {R1} \times G_{C}}{V_{DAC} \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max}}}} \\{= \frac{V_{DAC}\left( {V_{DAC} + {V_{DROOP}/2}} \right)}{V_{DAC} + {K \times K_{f} \times {R1} \times G_{C}}}}\end{matrix} & (10)\end{matrix}$

[0061] The value of the gain constant G_(c) for this case can be foundas: $\begin{matrix}{G_{C} = {\frac{V_{DAC}}{{R1} \times K}{\left( {\frac{{2 \times V_{DAC}} + V_{DROOP}}{{2 \times V_{DAC}} - V_{DROOP}} - 1} \right).}}} & (11)\end{matrix}$

[0062] Where: V_(DROOP)—is a desired droop voltage, which has a constantvalue.

[0063] Tentatively, V_(DROOP)=2*V_(OFFSET).

[0064] The numerical example given in the Table. 4 and FIG. 8 illustrateperformance of the converter that employs this droop method. Practicallyconstant droop is achieved with this approach. FIG. 8 shows that thedroop is centered across the median load and the processor powerspecifications will not be violated in any operation mode. TABLE 4 +Δ,−Δ, V(o) V(Imax) Vnom mV mV Droop Performance 1.64 1.56 1.60 +40 −40Tuned to Mode Perf. Battery 1.39 1.31 1.35 +40 −40 Mode Mode Tuned toPerformance 1.64 1.56 1.60 +40 −40 Battery Mode Mode Battery 1.39 1.311.35 +40 −40 Mode

[0065] In cases when constant, operating point independent droop mightbe desired and a signal associated with the processor operatingfrequency is not readily available in a suitable form, the gain in thecurrent feedback is made to be inversely proportional to the referencevoltage squared. This is accomplished in the way shown in converter 400of FIG. 7.

[0066] The DAC 40 receives the code associated with the desiredoperating voltage and sets the reference voltage on its output. Thereference voltage (V_(DAC)) is increased by the fixed value V_(OFFSET)44 to center the droop along the median load. The sensed current signalIcs, which is proportional to the load current Io and can be eitherinductor current, or switch current, or diode (or synchronous switch)current, is scaled down by the factor of gain G_(c). Additionally, thiscurrent is multiplied in multiplier 410 by a signal inverselyproportional to the commanded processor operating voltage (V_(DAC))squared and is transformed to the current I_(DROOP), which creates thevoltage drop across the resistor R1. At one input of the voltage-looperror amplifier 50 this voltage drop is summed with the voltage feedbacksignal. The other input is a reference voltage dependent upon V_(DAC)and the offset voltage. As a result, the output voltage of the converteris inversely proportionally to the load current, e.g. resembles a droop,which has a constant value in any processor-operating mode.

[0067] The output characteristic of the converter with is described bythe equation $\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{V_{CPU}(I)} = \frac{V_{DAC} + {V_{DROOP}/2}}{1 + {K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max} \times K_{f} \times {R1} \times \frac{G_{C}}{V_{DAC}^{2}}}}} \\{= \frac{V_{DAC}^{2}\left( {V_{DAC} + {V_{DROOP}/2}} \right)}{V_{DAC}^{2} + {K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max} \times K_{f} \times {R1} \times G_{c}}}}\end{matrix} & (13)\end{matrix}$

[0068] The value of the gain constant G_(C) can be found as:$\begin{matrix}{G_{C} = {\frac{2 \times \Delta \times V_{DAC}^{2}}{\left( {V_{DAC} - \Delta} \right) \times {R1} \times K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max}}.}} & (14)\end{matrix}$

[0069] Where: V_(DROOP)—is a desired droop voltage, which has a constantvalue.

[0070] Tentatively, V_(DROOP)=2*V_(OFFSET).

[0071] A numerical example given in the Table. 5 illustrates performanceof the converter, which employs this droop method. Practically constantdroop is achieved with this approach. Table 5 and FIG. 12 show that thedroop is centered across the median load and the processor powerspecifications will not be violated in any operation mode. TABLE 5 +Δ,−Δ, V(o) V(Imax) Vnom mV mV Droop Performance 1.64 1.56 1.6 +40 −40Tuned to Mode Perf. Battery 1.39 1.311 1.35 +40 −39 Mode Mode Tuned toPerformance 1.64 1.559 1.6 +40 −41 Battery Mode Mode Battery 1.39 1.311.35 +40 −40 Mode

[0072] As shown above, the described power supplies for modem dual modeprocessors have a symmetrically positioned droop in every operationalmode. This assures that processor power specifications will not beviolated during load current transients, and that the processor isconsuming the lowest amount of power in all operating modes with droopimplemented.

[0073] To achieve the same goal of symmetrical droop in different modesof operation, one may offset the converter output voltage in am amountproportional to the programmed voltage and the processor maximumoperating frequency.

[0074]FIG. 9 illustrates a circuit 500 that adjusts droop in accordancewith the operating mode of the processor as described above. The DAC 40receives the code associated with the desired processor operatingvoltage and sets the reference voltage on its output. The bufferamplifier 42 (BA) with a controlled gain boosts the reference voltageV_(DAC) to accommodate the droop. The level of the offset is programmedby the gain of the buffer amplifier 42. A signal F_(CPU max) 43proportional to the processor clock frequency is generated and controlsthe gain of the buffer amplifier. This forces the level of the initialoffset to be proportional to both voltage and frequency. The sensedcurrent signal I_(CS) is proportional to the load current I_(O) and canbe either inductor current, switch current, or diode (or synchronousswitch) current. I_(CS) is scaled down by the factor of gain G_(c). Thiscurrent creates the voltage drop across the resistor R1. At the input ofthe voltage-loop error amplifier 50, this voltage drop is summed withthe voltage feedback signal. As a result, the output voltage of theconverter is now inversely proportional to the load current and issymmetrically positioned along the median load current.

[0075] The output voltage of the loaded converter 500 with this newvoltage positioning method now varies in accordance with the followingequation $\begin{matrix}{{{V_{CPUi}(I)} = \frac{V_{DACi} + V_{offseti}}{1 + {K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max \quad i} \times K_{f} \times {R1} \times G_{C}}}};} & (15)\end{matrix}$

[0076] Where: $\begin{matrix}{{V_{offseti} = \frac{V_{DACi}}{{\left( \frac{2 - {\Delta \quad 1}}{\Delta \quad 1} \right) \times \frac{F_{{CPU}\quad \max \quad 1}}{F_{{CPU}\quad \max \quad i}}} + 1}};} & (16)\end{matrix}$

[0077] is the initial offset; i=1 for the performance mode, and i=2 forthe battery optimized mode; Δ1—is the desired droop as fraction of thereference voltage in the performance mode where the circuit iscalibrated. The value of the gain constant G_(c) can be found as$\begin{matrix}{{G_{C} = \frac{2 \times \Delta}{\left( {2 - \Delta} \right) \times {R1} \times K \times F_{{CPU}\quad \max}}};} & (17)\end{matrix}$

[0078] Table 6 and FIG. 12 illustrate that the new voltage positioningmethod provides means to achieve converter output characteristics thatare symmetrically centered in both operating modes. This assures theprocessor power specifications will not be violated in any operationmode. TABLE 6 V(o) V(Imax) Vnom +□Δ(mv) −□Δ(mv) Droop Perfor- 1.640 1.561.6 +40 −40 Tuned mance to Mode Perf. Battery 1.378 1.322 1.35 +28 −28Mode Mode Tuned Perfor- 1.640 1.56 1.6 +40 −40 to mance Battery ModeMode Battery 1.378 1.322 1.35 +28 −28 Mode

[0079] However, the information about the processor operating frequencyis not always readily available in the form convenient for use in theprocessor voltage-regulating module. Therefore, a further convertercircuit 600 is presented in the FIG. 10. There a gain control signalproportional to the processor clock frequency in circuit 500 issubstituted by the signal 48 derived from the reference V_(DAC) voltage.For known dual-mode processors a reduction in power consumption isusually done with approximately equal scaling of the voltage and theoperating frequency. Because of that, some error will be acceptable forpractical implementations.

[0080] Converter 600 illustrates the implementation of the new method tocontrol the droop when powering the dual mode processors. The DAC 40receives the code associated with the desired processor operatingvoltage and sets the reference voltage on its output. The referencevoltage V_(DAC) is boosted by the buffer amplifier 42 (BA), which has avariable gain. The level of the offset is programmed by the gain of thebuffer amplifier 42. The same reference signal controls the gain of thebuffer amplifier. This forces the level of the initial offset to beproportional to reference voltage squared. The sensed current signalI_(CS) is proportional to the load current I_(O) and can be eitherinductor current, switch current, or diode (or synchronous switch)current. I_(CS) is scaled by the factor of gain G_(c). This currentcreates a voltage drop across the resistor R1. At the input of thevoltage-loop error amplifier, this voltage drop is summed with thevoltage feedback signal. As a result, the output voltage of theconverter is now inversely proportional to the load current and is inhigh degree symmetrically positioned along the half-load current.

[0081] The output characteristic of the converter, which employs thisembodiment of the invention, is described by the generic equation (15),where V_(offset) is determined by the following equation.$\begin{matrix}{V_{offseti} = {\frac{V_{DACi}}{{\left( \frac{2 - \Delta}{\Delta} \right) \times K_{V} \times \frac{V_{DAC1}}{V_{DACi}}} + 1}.}} & (18)\end{matrix}$

${{Where}\quad K_{V}} = {\frac{F_{{CPU}\quad \max \quad 1 \times V_{DACi}}}{F_{{CPU}\quad \max \quad i} \times V_{DAC1}}.}$

[0082] Table 7 illustrates how this embodiment of the new voltagepositioning method provides a converter output with characteristics thatare symmetrically centered in both operating modes. This assures theprocessor power specifications will not be violated in any operationmode. TABLE 7 V(o) V(Imax) Vnom +□(mv) −□(mv) Droop Perfor- 1.640 1.5601.60 +40 −40 Tuned mance to Mode Perf. Battery 1.379 1.321 1.35 +29 −29Mode Mode Tuned Perfor- 1.641 1.559 1.60 +41 −41 to mance Battery ModeMode Battery 1.378 1.322 1.35 +28 −28 Mode

[0083] The gain setting signal 48 is generated by a decoder circuit 810.With reference to FIG. 11 the gain of the buffer amplifier 42 iscontrolled by the VID code that sets the desired value of the processoroperating voltage. The gain of the buffer amplifier 42 is defined asG_(ba)=R3/R2+1. Resistor R2 is made of the chain of the resistors thatare connected to the drains of the switches 820(n). The VID code isdecoded by the decoder 810 connected between VID inputs and the switchgates. The values of the resistors in the resistive chain R2 are chosenaccordingly to the VID code so the desired gain is set. The initialoffset voltage programmed by this circuit complies with the followingequation. $\begin{matrix}{\frac{{\Delta \quad}_{i}}{2} = {\frac{1}{{\left( \frac{2 - {\Delta 1}}{\Delta \quad 1} \right) \times K_{V} \times \frac{V_{DAC1}}{V_{DACi}}} + 1} = {G_{BA} = {\frac{R3}{R2} + 1}}}} & (19)\end{matrix}$

[0084] Where: Δ_(i) is a current value of a droop measured as a fractionof the current value of the VDACi setting at the calibration point. Thecalibration point VDAC1 could be the highest or the lowest referencevoltage, or any other reference voltage from the variety of valuesprogrammed by the VID code. Because the described method to controldroop affects only the reference voltage of the regulator, it can beimplemented in the regulators of both switching and linear nature.

[0085] In addition to conserving power in all operational states,utilizing this voltage positioning method may enable processormanufacturers to specify reduced voltage tolerances for their dual modeprocessor. This reduced voltage tolerance may translate to improvedyield characteristics and hence lower manufacturing costs.

[0086] In addition to the embodiments described above, others skilled inthe art may adapt the invention for use in other droop generatingcircuits. The circuit of FIG. 1 is just one example of a droopgenerating DC/DC converter. For example, linear regulator or hystereticPWM controller may also the output voltage droop and those circuits canbe modified to use the steps and structures of the invention.

What we claim is:
 1. In an electronic system having a DC/DC convertersupplying power to a processor that operates in one of at least twomodes of operation, wherein each mode of operation includes a nominaloperating current, operating voltage and operating frequency, a methodfor reducing power losses comprising the steps of: generating a pulsewidth modulated signal corresponding to a desired DC output signal;converting the pulse width modulated signal into the desired DC outputsignal; generating a voltage droop signal; applying the desired outputDC signal and voltage droop signal to a load; in response to a change inprocessor operating mode, adjusting the voltage droop signal to besubstantially symmetrical.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofadjusting the voltage droop signal includes multiplying an outputcurrent proportional signal by a signal inversely proportional to theoperating frequency of the processor.
 3. The method of claim 1 whereinthe step of adjusting the voltage droop signal includes multiplying anoutput current proportional signal by a signal inversely proportional toprocessor operating voltage.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the stepof adjusting the voltage droop signal includes decoding a currentdecoder including a plurality of current sources of different currentsand having one input corresponding to the output current and connectedto all the current sources and another input corresponding the operatingvoltage of the processor for selecting a current source inverselyproportional to operating voltage, and generating the first input to theerror amplifier.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjustingthe voltage droop signal includes comparing the voltage droop signal toa reference signal offset in accordance with the operating frequency ofthe processor.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjustingthe voltage droop signal includes comparing the voltage droop signal toa reference signal offset in accordance with a control signal dependentupon the operating voltage.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofadjusting the voltage droop signal includes comparing the voltage droopsignal to a reference signal offset in accordance with a control signaldependent upon decoding a voltage matrix decoder having a plurality ofvoltage reference sources with its output dependent upon the operatingprocessor voltage.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofadjusting the power droop signal includes centering the droop about theoperating voltage and keeping the droop constant regardless of theprocessor operating voltage and the clock frequency by multiplying anoutput current proportional signal by a signal inversely proportional tothe operating frequency of the processor and by a signal inverselyproportional to the processor operating voltage.
 9. The method of claim8 wherein the step of centering the voltage droop includes multiplyingthe output current sense signal by a signal inversely proportional tothe operating voltage squared.
 10. In an electronic system having aDC/DC converter that operates in one of at least two modes of operationfor supplying power to a processor in the electronic system, whereineach mode of operation includes a nominal operating current, operatingvoltage and operating frequency, a method for reducing power lossescomprising the steps of: comparing an input DC signal to a ramp signalto generate a pulse width modulated output signal corresponding to adesired DC output signal; converting the pulse width modulated signalinto the desired DC output signal; generating a voltage droop signal;applying the desired output DC signal and voltage droop signal to aload; in a feedback loop, summing signals dependent upon the power droopsignal and the output DC voltage and comparing the summed voltage droopand output DC dependent signals to a reference signal dependent upon theoperating mode; in response to a change in operating mode, adjusting thevoltage droop signal to be substantially symmetrical.
 11. A power supplycircuit for a multi-mode processor operable in one of at least two modeswherein each mode has an operating voltage, operating current andoperating frequency, comprising: a comparator and an error amplifiercoupled to one input of the comparator for controlling the duty ratio ofthe power supply in accordance with the output of the error amplifier; adroop control signal generating circuit including means for sensing theoutput current and for generating a droop control signal proportional tothe desired droop the power supply; means for centering the power supplydroop about the median of the operating voltage of the processor, saidmeans for centering coupled to either the error amplifier or to thedroop control signal generating circuit and responsive to the mode ofoperation of the processor including its operating voltage, operatingcurrent or operating frequency.
 12. The power supply circuit of claim 11wherein the means for centering the power supply droop comprises meansfor multiplying the sensed current by a signal inversely proportional tothe operating frequency of the processor.
 13. The power supply circuitof claim 11 wherein the means for centering the power supply droopcomprises means for adjusting initial offset of the output voltage inaccordance with the programmed operating voltage of the processor andthe operating frequency of the processor.
 14. The power supply circuitof claim 11 wherein the means for centering the power supply droopcomprises means for centering the power supply droop and means forkeeping constant the power supply droop.
 15. A power supply circuit fora dual mode processor having a relatively constant droop comprising: afeedback control circuit including means for sensing the output currentand means for multiplying the sensed current by a signal inverselyproportional to the operating frequency of the processor.
 16. A powersupply circuit for a dual mode processor having a relatively constantdroop comprising: a feedback control circuit including means for sensingthe output current and means for adjusting initial offset of the outputvoltage in accordance with the programmed operating voltage of theprocessor and the operating frequency of the processor.
 17. A powersupply circuit for a dual mode processor having a relatively constantdroop comprising: a feedback control circuit including means for sensingthe output current and means for the means for centering the powersupply droop comprises means for centering the power supply droop andmeans for keeping constant the power supply droop.
 18. A DC/DC converterfor supplying power to a multi-mode processor operable in one of atleast two modes wherein each mode has an operating voltage, operatingcurrent and operating frequency, said converter having an output voltageand an output current and comprising: an error amplifier having firstand second inputs and generating an output error signal for controllingdroop of the output voltage and output current of the converter; thefirst input comprising a summing input electrically connected to theoutput voltage and the output current of said DC/DC converter, saidsumming input configured for adding together signals dependent upon theoutput voltage and the output current, the second input for receiving asignal dependent upon the operating voltage of the processor, said erroramplifier generating an output error signal dependent at least in partupon the output voltage and the output current; means coupled to one ofthe inputs to the error amplifier and dependent upon the mode ofoperation of the processor including the operating voltage, operatingcurrent or operating frequency, for adjusting the power supply droopabout the median of the operating voltage of the processor to providesymmetrical droop about the operating voltage; a comparator receivingsaid error signal, said comparator having a ramp input electricallyconnected to a voltage ramp signal, said comparator having a comparatoroutput signal, said comparator output signal based at least in part uponsaid error input; and a power switch having an on condition and an offcondition, said power supply configured for supplying dc current to theload when in said on condition, said power switch having a control inputelectrically connected to said comparator output signal, said powerswitch being responsive to said comparator output signal to changebetween said on condition and said off condition to thereby adjust theoutput current of said DC/DC converter.
 19. The DC/DC converter of claim18 wherein the means coupled to the input of the error amplifier is amultiplier circuit for receiving (a) a signal inversely proportional tothe operating frequency of the processor and (b) the output currentsignal and for generating the first input signal to the error amplifier,wherein said first input signal depends upon the product of the (a)signal inversely proportional to the operating frequency of theprocessor and (b) the output current signal.
 20. The DC/DC converter ofclaim 19 wherein the multiplier circuit comprises a matrix currentdecoder including a plurality of current sources of different currents,one input corresponding the output current and connected to all thecurrent sources, another input corresponding the operating voltage ofthe processor for selecting a current source inversely proportional tothe square of the operating voltage, and generating the first input tothe error amplifier.
 21. The DC/DC converter of claim 18 furthercomprising a voltage source for offsetting the second input the erroramplifier and wherein the means coupled to the input of the erroramplifier is a multiplier circuit for receiving (a) a signal inverselyproportional to the square of the operating voltage of the processor and(b) the output current signal and for generating the first input signalto the error amplifier, wherein said first input signal depends upon theproduct of the (a) signal inversely proportional to the operatingfrequency of the processor and (b) the output current signal.
 22. TheDC/DC converter of claim 18 wherein the means coupled to one of theinputs to the error amplifier and dependent upon the mode of operationof the processor comprises a buffer amplifier with a variable gain forreceiving a signal dependent upon the processor operating voltage and again control signal dependent upon the operating frequency of theprocessor for generating the second input to the error amplifier tooffset the droop by both the processor frequency and the processorvoltage.
 23. The DC/DC converter of claim 18 further comprisng a gaincontrol circuit for generating a gain control signal dependent upon theoperating voltage of the processor and wherein the means coupled to oneof the inputs to the error amplifier and dependent upon the mode ofoperation of the processor comprises a buffer amplifier with a variablegain for receiving the gain control signal and a signal dependent uponthe processor operating voltage.
 24. The DC/DC converter of claim 18wherein the means coupled to one of the inputs to the error amplifierand dependent upon the mode of operation of the processor comprises abuffer amplifier with a variable gain for receiving a first signaldependent upon the processor operating voltage and a gain control signaland a gain control signal generator comprising a voltage matrix decodingcircuit having a plurality of voltage reference sources with its outputdependent upon the processor voltage for generating said gain controlsignal.
 25. The DC/DC converter of claim 18 wherein the means coupled toone of the inputs to the error amplifier and dependent upon the mode ofoperation of the processor comprises means for centering power droopabout the operating voltage of the processor and keeping the droopconstant regardless of operating voltage.
 26. The DC/DC converter ofclaim 18 wherein the means for centering the power droop and keeping itconstant comprises centering the voltage comprises a buffer amplifiercoupled to the reference input to the error amplifier for offsetting thesecond input the error amplifier to center the droop and means formultiplying the output current sense signal by a signal inverselyproportional to the operating voltage for keeping the droop constant.